Justice and the Parables of Jesus - by Yung Suk Kim Hardcover

About the Book

Teachable, student-friendly guide to the parables of Jesus through the lens of political philosophy, illuminating Jesus' radical vision of justice.

Book Synopsis

This book examines the parables of Jesus through the framework of political philosophy, focusing on the ethical question of justice: "What is the right thing to do?" It contextualizes the narratives within the socio-political landscape of first-century Palestine, highlighting how they articulate a radical vision of divine sovereignty that confronts the dominant values and juridical structures of the Roman Empire. The text offers a nuanced analysis of the multifaceted themes of justice embedded in these parables, aiming to elucidate their moral and theological complexity. Organized thematically, each chapter engages with specific parables, accompanied by analytical discussion questions designed to foster critical engagement and scholarly dialogue.
Ultimately, the volume aspires to contribute to contemporary discourses on justice by providing a comprehensive interpretive framework rooted in biblical parables, serving academic audiences and informed readers interested in the ethical and political implications of Jesus's teachings.

Review Quotes

In Justice and the Parables of Jesus, Yung Suk Kim offers a bold and refreshing reorientation of how we read the teachings of Jesus. Moving beyond traditional theological and historical interpretations, Kim invites readers to engage the parables through the lens of political philosophy-where questions of liberty, rights, and above all, justice, come to the fore. By examining the parables within the political realities of first-century Palestine and through ten dimensions of justice-distributive, procedural, restorative, global, and more-Kim bridges ancient text and modern context with remarkable clarity and moral urgency. His work challenges readers not merely to decode Jesus's stories, but to discern their ethical implications for our own fractured world. This book is a vital contribution to contemporary biblical scholarship and to the ongoing dialogue between theology and social ethics. For pastors, students, and scholars who believe that faith must wrestle with the demands of justice, Justice and the Parables of Jesus is essential reading-insightful, provocative, and deeply relevant for our times.
Professor of Biblical Studies, Messiah University

When I teach in churches, clergy and laity regularly ask for accessible resources from biblical scholars that address the urgent concerns of the current moment while attending to the complex contexts of ancient texts. Justice and the Parables of Jesusis a book I can recommend that helps readers understand justice not as a static goal, but as a multidimensional lens through which to read both biblical texts and respond to ethical and theological concerns today. Yung Suk Kim offers fresh readings of familiar parables alongside multiple models for justice, contributing to conversations about the Bible, theology, and public life.
Assistant Professor of New Testament, Emory University

About the Author

Yung Suk Kim, MDiv, PhD, is Full Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at Virginia Union University. He has authored nearly twenty books, including How to Read the Gospels (2024), Monotheism, Biblical Traditions, and Race Relations (2022), How to Read Paul (2021), Toward Decentering the New Testament (2018, co-authored with Mitzi J. Smith), and Christ's Body in Corinth (2008). He has also edited four volumes, including At the Intersection of Hermeneutics and Homiletics and Paul's Gospel, Empire, Race, and Ethnicity.